Travel dos and don'ts – Don't yell if you find yourself in a taxi with a reckless driver. Do pay the fare. Your receipt may be helpful in reporting the driver. Tipping, however, is optional.

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Travel dos and don'ts – Don't take matters into your own hands if noisy hotel neighbors move in next door. Do call the manager on duty. He can dispatch security, and he'll also know when your rowdy floor mates are checking out.

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Travel dos and don'ts – Sadly, not every airline seat looks like this one. When you're elbow-to-elbow with a space-hogging seatmate, don't resort to dirty looks or subtle little pushes. Do claim your overhead and under-seat space early on and put the armrests down.

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Travel dos and don'ts – Don't snap to judgment on a wine, but don't suffer through a poor choice either. Do speak up if you order something that doesn't suit your palate.

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Travel dos and don'ts – No one wants to pay for pain. Don't be vague when dealing with a masseuse. Do share your preferences and if you're ticklish or injured.

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Story highlights

No need to tussle to get what you want when you're on the road

Keep your cool and assert yourself firmly

Don't accept hidden fees, but do be aware of fees that are advertised up front

Don't yell at a reckless cabby, but do ask the driver to pull over

Any traveler knows that sinking feeling of boarding a plane only to get stuck with a less-than-desirable seatmate: someone who hogs that narrow, coveted armrest or brings an oversized duffel that encroaches on your legroom.

If you've ever resorted to a passive-aggressive nudge or, on the contrary, suffered through hours of transatlantic claustrophobia, you have experienced firsthand what not to do in this scenario.

It's just one of the possible frustrations that you might encounter when you leave home. But how you react can make all the difference, whether you're dealing with that seatmate, a reckless taxi driver or a bad case of food poisoning.

Knowing the dos and don'ts of travel etiquette will help you go from an amateur to a sophisticated globetrotter. You'll feel empowered to haggle at a market abroad and be informed about what to do if you get hotel bill shock.

So before you wave your napkin to an inattentive waiter as a white flag of surrender, brush up on your etiquette with these strategic travel tips.